MyOwn Image announces multi-state bipartisan legislation on nonconsensual distribution of intimate images
September 25, 2024 press release: a multi-state, bipartisan legislative campaign informed by MyOwn's model policy on NDII, with partners in six states.
(Virginia) - Today, MyOwn Image announced a significant multi-state, bipartisan legislative campaign to combat Nonconsensual Disclosure of Intimate Images (NDII) informed by the organization’s model policy that strengthens penalties for NDII and supports victims of image based sexual abuse (IBSA).
A bipartisan effort across six states
This bipartisan effort aims to address the critical issue and rise of technology-facilitated gendered violence and IBSA, underscoring the urgent need for legal protections. MyOwn Image has partnered with legislators in Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia to carry bills in their respective state legislatures that address these crimes. The model policy was also informed by criminal legal reform experts, first amendment champions, and survivors of IBSA and NDII.
This campaign shows that NDII and IBSA have no place in our society. MyOwn is committed to combating these terrible crimes and providing steadfast support to the survivors. We are excited to advance the fight against NDII with our legislative partners across the country.Susanna Gibson, founder of MyOwn Image
What the legislation does
The legislation announced today would create a tiered punishment structure for people who commit NDII to allow for complexities and nuances of these crimes to be taken into account. A first conviction for intentionally distributing an intimate image without consent is treated as a misdemeanor. However, subsequent crimes or distributing the image with the intent to cause harm is a felony under the model policy. The MyOwn Image model policy also treats the nonconsensual disclosure of digitally forged intimate images as an equal crime to other forms of NDII. Beyond punishment, the model policy also provides explicit protections for survivors to hold their abusers accountable, including a strengthened civil cause of action.
The Joyful Heart Foundation proudly stands in support of the legislation announced today and urges state legislators to adopt similar policies in the rest of the country. Ending Nonconsensual Disclosure of Intimate Images and Image-Based Sexual Abuse is a key step to achieving a world free from sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Joyful Heart Foundation
Why these protections are needed
These protections are urgently needed because too many people have been harmed by NDII and IBSA and occurrences are becoming all too common. Studies have found that up to one in twelve adults have been the victim of IBSA. The victims of these crimes represent all parts of society, but are disproportionately young, low-income, and people of color. The impacts on victims are lasting and severe. Survivors often experience trauma similar to that of survivors of other forms of sexual abuse. No individual should have to endure the devastating consequences of these crimes, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure justice and healing for all survivors.
As America’s first law firm dedicated to representing victims of image-based sexual abuse, we are proud to stand with MyOwn Image in demanding that state laws catch up to the reality of sexual violence today and the weaponization of tech.C.A. Goldberg, PLLC
MyOwn Image and our partners are committed to creating a society free from the fear of NDII and the harms of image-based sexual abuse. By championing this crucial legislation, we are sending a powerful message that survivors' rights and privacy are paramount. We urge other states to follow suit and adopt similar measures to protect their citizens from these devastating crimes.
Sources cited in the release
- Ruvalcaba, Y., & Eaton, A. A. (2020). Nonconsensual pornography among U.S. adults: A sexual scripts framework on victimization, perpetration, and health correlates for women and men. Psychology of Violence, 10(1), 68-78.
- Lenhart, A., Ybarra, M., & Price-Feeney, M. (2016). Nonconsensual image sharing: One in 25 Americans has been a victim of “revenge porn”. Data & Society Research Institute.
Published September 25, 2024. Statements reflect the date of publication.
